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The Sprout
44 Westminster Way, Winner of Botley in Bloom 2021
The Newsletter for North Hinksey & Botley
Issue 159 Summer 2021
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The Sprout
The Newsletter for North Hinksey & Botley
Directors: Janet Bartlam, Judi Bolder, John Clements,
Michael Cockman, Ag MacKeith, Robin Palmer
Editor
Ag MacKeith
South View House, Old Botley, OX2 0JR Tel: 724452 Editor@TheSprout.org.uk
Advertising Manager
Michael Cockman
50, St Paul's Crescent OX2 9AG Te l : 07766 317691 Adverts@TheSprout.org.uk
Deliveries
Bhee Bellew and Robin Cox
15 Seacourt Road, OX2 9LD Tel: 790648 Deliveries@TheSprout.org.uk
Copy Date: Copy by 15th of month preceding publication. Earlier submission is
welcome. Later contributions may have to be held over to the next issue.
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the Advertising Manager.
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Subscriptions: If you live outside North Hinksey Parish you can still receive The
Sprout on a regular basis. Just take out a postal subscription – only £12 per annum,
delivered to your door. Contact: Carol Kramer 01865 243002.
Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information printed in this
newsletter, mistakes may happen. The Editor and Team apologize unreservedly for
any errors that may occur and will do their best to correct them. This publication is not
a vehicle of the parish council, and parish councillors working with the Sprout do so in
a personal capacity. Opinions expressed are the opinions of the individual
contributors.
All concerned in the production and delivery of The Sprout are unpaid volunteers.
The Sprout is printed by Dataprint Ltd, and published by North
Hinksey Parish Publications Ltd, (a company limited by
guarantee) Registration No. 05609535.
It can also be found online at BotleyHinksey.org.uk
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The Sprout
Issue 159, Summer 2021
Contents
3 Letters to the Editor
5 Botley GAP
7 An Idea With Wheels
13 Kennington Memory Club
15 Botley School
19 Botley in Bloom 2021
23 Seacourt Hall AGM
25 Planning Apps
27 Save the Brownies!
29 WWCC Update
31 Sunny Days
34 15th Scouts Group
37 Randoms
38 Walks round Botley – MAP
39 Local organizations
From the Editor
Lots to report this month as various projects get under way.
But first – our cover shows the winning front garden in Botley
in Bloom 2021 – congratulations Leo McAllister (p19) of
Westminster Way. The Skatepark project has started rolling
(p7), the Arts project to turn the dreary A34 flyover into a pair of
open arms is getting going (p5). Kennington Memory Club is
back in business and looking for volunteers (p13). The
Brownies have plenty of qualified volunteers but a shortage of
girls (p27), so hurry up and join, Botley girls – the Sprout
wouldn’t be the same without the Brownies’ escapades! Sunny
Days (p31) describes two popular local assets which will keep
going through the summer: Hill End Camp and the Pop-up Café
‘up the top’. The Letters page concerns itself with the 4th
Oxford Scouts and the fate of their scout hut (p3) and there is
more on this and the parish poll on page 37. On page 38 we
have reprinted the fine map of walks round Botley published
with help from the NHS – it’s even better in full colour, but you’ll
have to get that from their website. Our next issue will be out in
September – till then, happy holidays!
Ag MacKeith
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Letters to the Editor
Oxford 4th, the scout hut and the parish poll
The parish poll on the future of the scout hut was held on 9 June. We
would like to thank everybody who engaged in the debate, whichever
way you voted. The future of the pavilion and the scout hut are
important issues for the community for generations to come. We would
also like to thank those parishioners who pushed for the poll, and
campaigned to keep the scout hut, it’s not something we could have
done ourselves. We believe that keeping the scout hut, and building a
new pavilion, is the best outcome for the whole community. The poll
results strongly supported retaining the hut and returning it to the scout
group, by about 3:1, and we hope this will be the catalyst for changes to
the parish council’s project that will maximise the benefits to everyone
and enable the scout group to continue to thrive. Thanks again to all
who were involved and engaged, whichever way you voted.
The Trustees of the 4th Oxford Scout Group
Another view
“Why do you hate the Scouts? They do a wonderful job, and hurt nobody.”
This direct and divisive question was fired at me after I commented that
the Parish Poll, and the campaigning around it, was flawed. As a former
Scout, I know the Scouts are a welcome addition to any community, and
I want them to return home from the Rugby Club. But the dilapidated
Scout Hut now (by law) requires significant investment to modernise it.
Personally, I would rather see our money and energies being put to-
wards an inclusive pavilion for the whole community’s benefit, including
a new home for the Scouts.
This campaigner couldn't understand that I welcome the Scouts and
want modern facilities for our community. If we all compromise, it
doesn’t have to be one or the other.
There is a huge amount of misinformation circulating at the moment,
which is driving a needless divide between friends and neighbours.
Please, let’s take the time to ask questions, listen and discover what we
have in common. I guarantee it’s much more than the campaigners
want us to disagree on.
James Poyser
[More on Randoms on page 37. Ed]
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Botley GAP needs you!
Have you ever felt your heart sink as you walk,
drive, or cycle under the A34 away from Oxford
into Botley? Although it doesn’t mark any official
boundary, that point on the map is a transition and
a gateway to Botley and areas beyond. But it’s a
dismal and depressing gateway and not
representative of our vibrant and growing community! Well we now have
an opportunity to do something about that.
Botley GAP (Gateway Art Project) has formed to improve the gateway to
Botley with a vibrant art project and they are looking for more members
of all ages across our community. We are a working party of people
who are keen to improve the gateway area and get things done. This is
part of the wider project to add public art to the new West Way
development.
As a requirement of the West Way Square development, the developers
Mace had to provide £46,000 specifically for public art in and around the
shopping centre. North Hinksey Parish Council, with the guidance of the
District Council Arts Officer and informed by public consultation, issued
a brief to artists at the end of 2020. They received 12 responses,
interviewed and selected three of them to work with the community to
create a series of public artworks. The artists selected are Alex
Wenham, a sculptor (alexwenham.co.uk), Claire Goodall, a mosaic
artist (cgmosaics.co.uk), and Nor, a mural artist (eleanorg.org), selected
to work on a mural for the A34 gateway. Fusion Arts will be managing
the community consultation over the coming months so look out for
more information soon on the overall project.
Meanwhile, Botley GAP are focusing specifically on the gateway area.
The group want to get more ideas and expertise involved. This area is
also a gateway to Cumnor, Appleton, Farmoor, Eynsham and beyond so
involvement from all these communities is very welcome. We will need
to raise more funding and get grants or local and national businesses
involved. Only part of the section 106 money can be spent outside the
shopping area and so more funding is required if we really want to make
the most of this opportunity.
If you’d like to be involved in this project in any way – with ideas,
fundraising, admin, publicity or physical work – please contact us and
check out our website and social media: Website: bit.ly/35a8sVs and
Instagram: @botleygap
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The Botley Skatepark: An Idea with Wheels!
As our young people rejoin the outside world and look for things to do, a
local action group are proposing to bring back an ambitious – and
previously successful – facility to keep our kids moving. The relaxation
of restrictions released local young people from lockdown and enabled
more social interaction. It’s a good thing – providing they have
somewhere to go, and something to do. And that’s not true for
everyone.
While toddlers and younger children are well catered for on the Louie
Memorial Field (LMF), teenagers have less purpose-built infrastructure
beyond a busy zipwire, multi-swing and the MUGA, which is quickly
filled, and incompatible with multiple users playing different ball sports.
Another option is needed.
The tide of Matthew Arnold pupils sweeping through Botley every
morning reve a ls a local demographic which includes many teenagers,
and ‘tweenagers’. So, it makes sense to ensure Botley’s leisure facilities
meet their needs. A properly planned, professionally designed, and well
maintained skatepark, created in consultation with Botley residents, can
fill a vacuum that has existed, arguably, since the previous facility
closed. Reviving the skatepark many Sprout readers will remember, to
meet a need for families they have had since it was filled in, works on
many levels.
All aboard
The popularity of skateboarding is booming, along with such wheeled
teen transport as BMX bikes, rollerblades and scooters. The Botley
Skatepark will be a healthy alternative to the Xbox. It will be a safe
place for our younger members to meet their friends and ‘do their thing’
away from roads, pavements, West Way precinct and other urban
centres. Safety-wise, it ticks all the boxes. Too many children end up in
A&E following a spill, and their parents will prefer a purpose-built
modern skatepark to roads and car parks. Early insights include
providing a flat area at the new facility, for those just learning cool tricks.
Planning is key. We want to be sure the facility is low maintenance,
attractive, does not jar with the immediate environs and is acceptable to
residents.
What about the old bowl?
If you remember Botley Sk8s of the early 90s, you’ll know the old Botley
Bowl was enormously popular. There are still YouTube clips to prove it.
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Many of us have scarred
knees as souvenirs.
However, it’s a fact that it
was designed by two
champion boarders, and
this meant hard work and
lots of tumbles for the less
skilled.
Our vision is to create
something that will be more
accessible, a skatepark for
everyone, from the
hardcore, through to
beginners – and their
parents! And not just
skateboarding: the new
facility will be a space for
lots of different kinds of fun
on wheels. Our photo shows local children with boards, bikes and roller
blades begging for a skatepark outside the former Seacourt Hall.
About the NHPC Skatepark Working Group
We are a mix of councillors, skaters and parents with deep roots in the
community, and memories of the pleasure the previous bowl brought to
Botley. As practical people, we mean to make sure what we are creating
is a community asset. We’ll do this through extensive consultation,
thoughtful planning, and by considering the aesthetics very carefully.
We are carefully reviewing th e 2013 NHPC skatepark document to
make sure lessons are learned. We want ‘Skatepark 2.0’ to work for
residents and users alike.
We are confident that a well designed, open, accessible space creates
benefits for the whole community. This is why we are working with
experts, both in our planning and in the design process, to make sure
we create a safe, inclusive space that works for all. We will start by
placing the skatepark in a high-visibility area with lots of activity and
social interactions, as this is key to reducing potential crime. The Upper
LMF has great sightlines, making it much harder for criminal activity to
go unnoticed. Mitigating nuisance through environmental design, a
practice known as CPTED, is high on our agenda. Thames Valley Police
have made clear they regard skate parks as a good way to reduce
antisocial behaviour.
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Current Action Plan
We are in the early stages of moving this forward. Action points include
talking to experts, considering logistics, researching funding options,
studying best practice and engagin g local residents and stakeholders.
There’s lots to do. Here’s what we have in mind:
• Discussions with skatepark developers, and advisory group The
Skateparks Project.
• Reviewing the 2013 NHPC report to address past concerns.
• Liaising with other skateparks to learn from their experiences.
• Working with young, local people to see what they want.
• Tal ki ng t o t he Oxf or d W h e el s P ro je c t, t he c ha rity m an a gi ng the
Meadow Lane facility
Next steps
We are still at the early stages, but local reaction has been positive.
There will be ample opportunity for everyone to comment and raise
concerns as the project matures. We’ll keep you informed through the
Sprout and other channels to encourage feedback of all kinds.
Skateboarding, like riding scooters and BMX bikes, offers exercise and
a shared experience beyond the school setting and more formal
frameworks. It’s an enduring subculture that shows no sign of waning,
so it makes sense to create a safe space to enjoy it. We want to build
an inclusive community facility that offers our younger people
somewhere to enjoy their freedom after so many months in lockdown,
and to forget for a while the uncertain future ahead.
The new Botley Skatepark will put Botley back on the map and create a
‘leisure legacy’ that will benefit our young people for years to come.
Let’s roll!
Stephen Moore
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Business as usual, well almost!
Kennington Memory Club Day Centre sessions are back in full swing.
There are some changes with Covid protection measures in place, but
the sessions are again a place of fun, stimulation, companionship and
care for those with a diagnosis of dementia, and an opportunity for
respite for their carers. If you would like a place for a family member or
friend please contact the Organiser, Helen, on 07852 883496.
Voluntee rs Wanted : Over the last year there have been many
examples of volunteers stepping up to the mark to help out in
circumstances old and new. The NHS R esponder scheme was set up,
and people have been stewarding at vaccination centres. Communities
have been helping out those in need over shopping, collecting
medications, etc. Some of these roles are no longer as vital, as people
are able to get out themselves, having received their vaccinations.
Whether or not you have gained experience of volunteering over the
last year, maybe you would now like to make a contribution yourself.
Before the pandemic the Club had a stalwart band of volunteers who
helped out at Club sessions. They would assist staff to get set up, help
members settle in, prepare drinks, collect lunches from St Swithun’s
School, do kitchen tasks, join in activities, and be involved in the
clearing up, depending on which part of the day they attended. At
present the Club is being staffed by the professionals, without volunteer
assistance, but, as soon as possible, volunteers will be needed again.
We would like to increase that band of helpers. The role is very
satisfying and rewarding, as well as enjoyable, because of the relaxed
atmosphere at the Club, and you know you are making a difference to
the lives of members and their carers. Could you be one of these
heroes? If you are interested in finding out more about the role, please
telephone the Chairman, Isobel, (07843 755564) or the Organiser,
Helen, (07852 883496) or go to kenningtonmemoryclub.org.uk
Isobel Birse
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Sports Leadership at Botley School
Keeping healthy and active is an essential part of our learning and
development here at Botley School, as well as preparing our pupils for
life beyond primary school. We are therefore delighted to introduce the
new Sports Leadership Team for Botley School from September 2021.
We recognize, and are committed to, the importance of keeping active,
having healthy lifestyles and the benefits of this to our mental and
emotional well-being. We decided to develop a team of Sports Leaders
from within our year 5 pupils who will take up their roles formally from
the start of year 6. Their task will be to help lead sports and games and
become active role models for the pupils in the younger years. We will
be offering them training with specialist sports coaches, starting next
week, and asking them to collaboratively develop a job description for
the role.
As the role of Sports Leader will be a prestigious position within our
pupil body, we felt that the recruitment process should mirror the
commitment of the senior leadership team in supporting the new
initiative. We therefore decided to hold a structured recruitment drive
amongst our year 5 pupils.
During an assembly,
the year 5 pupils
were introduced to
the concept of Sports
Leaders and were
invited to apply for a
role in the team.
They completed a
written application
form, explaining what
their hobbies were,
what would make a
good sports leader,
and why keeping
healthy and active
was so important.
The applications
were then shortlisted
and a formal letter of invitation was sent to the successful candidates.
The final stage was an interview with Mrs Bosco, who will become our
PE and Sports Lead Teacher in September, and myself.
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During the interview, the children were asked a range of questions such
as: Can you explain the off-side rule? What would you do if someone on
your team was cheating? What are the qualities that make a good team
player? We also asked them to complete activities such as prioritizing a
group of core sports skills cards and explaining their decisions.
I have to say, we were absolutely blown away by the enthusiasm and
commitment shown by all our year 5 pupils. Every single pupil entered
an application form and they were all truly impressive. An overwhelming
sense of good sportsmanship and fair play shone through. The
shortlisting was tough and took the year 5 teaching team, the PE lead
teachers and myself longer than expected simply owing to the
fantastically high standards. The interviews were equally impressive,
with some of our pupils demonstrating interview techniques that adults
would be proud of! I can certainly see some brilliantly successful, career
driven young adults emerging from Botley in the future.
For those who were unsuccessful this time, our message is, ‘Don’t give
up!’ Your applications were all amazing and there will be lots of other
opportunities to become pupil leaders at Botley next year. We note
your skills and enthusiasm. For those who were successful,
congratulations and we look forward to seeing you develop the new
Botley School Sports Leadership Team!
Mrs Reid, Headteacher
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CUMNOR CHORAL WILL BE PERFORMING Handel’s Messiah, conducted by
Peter Foster, on 27th November at St Peter and Paul Church in Botley.
Rehearsals will resume on 10th September at Cumnor Old School,
starting at 8 pm – all welcome to join this friendly choir. For more details
please email John May at johnmay@btinternet.com or phone 07795
054142 or see cumnorchoralsociety.wordpress.com
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BOTLEY IN BLOOM 2021
Many thanks to all those who participated in this year’s Botley in Bloom
Front Garden competition. Although there were fewer entrants
compared with the gardening enthusiasm of 2020’s sunny lockdown, the
judges were impressed with the quality of the planting gracing many of
Botley’s frontages. A cold, wet May this year has resulted in most
gardens being a little behind the season but, despite some residents’
concerns, we didn’t worry as the advantage of a local competition is that
we all experience the same conditions. We very much enjoyed looking
at the 2021 front gardens and some interesting plants inspired us to
note that we’d like one of those for our own plots!
I am delighted to announce the winners in each of the three categories
as follows:
BEST OVERALL FRONT GARDEN [see front cover]
1st prize – 44 Westminster Way. Leo McAllister’s lovely and colourful
planting was looking even better than last year when he narrowly
missed out on a ‘Highly Commended’ in a hotly contended competition.
We noted that many plants not only looked good but are wildlife friendly
too.
2nd prize – 44 Poplar Road. Gill Belcher was working hard on her
front garden as we arrived with clipboards in hand. It is a beautiful
garden with a sense of tranquillity. We loved the varied planting
including roses, salvias, alliums, and foxgloves.
Highly Commended – 94 North Hinksey Lane. Phil Bloomer’s
colourful planting with its beautiful wildlife-friendly seed heads scattered
throughout impressed us again this year.
BEST
CULTIVATED-WILDLIFE
FRONT GARDEN
1st prize – 36 North
Hinksey Village. Chris
& Elaine Sugden’s
planting by the stream
running alongside their
property is delightful.
The creamy-white of the
climbing rose ‘Rambling
Rector’ perfectly sets off
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the different greens. Bird and insect boxes plus obvious wildlife
corridors makes this garden a worthy winner.
2nd prize – 50 St Paul’s Crescent. Caroline Cockman’s good design
incorporating attractive pots earned her a ‘Highly Commended’ last year
in the ‘Best Overall’ section. This year we liked also her wild area with
the bird feeders and insect house.
We have a tie for second place in the Cultivated-Wildlife section:
ALSO 2nd prize – 44 Poplar Road. Gill Belcher’s pretty garden
deserves another second place. A hollow tree, feeders, and excellent
wildlife corridors complement the sympathetic planting.
Highly Commended – 94 North Hinksey Lane. Another accolade
goes to Phil Bloomer for those fabulous seed heads!
BEST USE OF VEGETABLES IN A FRONT GARDEN
1st prize – 15 Poplar Road. Elisabeth Clarke and Peter England
successfully defended their crown with their lovely and inspiring small
garden. Colourful planting of roses, sweet peas, campanula and
geraniums jostle with a good variety of vegetables. These include
tomatoes, broad beans, and herbs as well as berries.
This year there were only a few entries in the Use of Vegetables section
so the judges decided to award a first prize only in this category as 15
Poplar Road scored the most marks by a wide margin.
Our thanks go to North Hinksey Parish Council for providing funding
allowing us to award prizes and certificates to all first and second
places. National
Garden Scheme
vouchers of £30 will
find their way to first
prize winners with
£20 vouchers for
second place. Highly
Commended places
will receive a
certificate.
Most of all we wish to
thank everyone who
entered the
competition, with
special congratulations to all those whose hard work and imagination
gives so much pleasure to the rest of the neighbourhood.
Viv Smith
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Seacourt Hall AGM and nominations for
Public Representatives
Seacourt Hall is a registered charity managed by a committee
of trustees (Seacourt Hall Management Committee), made up
of representatives of the North Hinksey Parish Council
(NHPC), hall users and public representatives.
At the AGM on Monday 27th September (7:30pm at
Seacourt Hall or via Zoom, to be decided nearer the time) to
which North Hinksey parish residents are invited, 2 members
of the public will be elected as Charity Trustees (public
representatives) by residents over 18, present at the AGM.
Any North Hinksey parish resident aged over 18 may put their
own name forward to be a Charity Trustee and a seconder is
not needed.
Nominations should be sent to the Treasurer before 5pm on
Monday 17th September. This can be by post in the Seacourt
Hall letterbox at the Library end of the building or by email to
treasurer@seacourthall.org.uk
If anyone would like more information in advance, including
the responsibilities of being a trustee, they can check the
website (seacourthall.org.uk) or contact the chair Lorna
Berrett on lberrett.nhpc@gmail.com or call 07967 111014.
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VACANCY: PARISH CLERK AND RESPONSIBLE FINANCIAL OFFICER
North Hinksey Parish Council is recruiting a new Parish
Clerk. Check the website for details and how to apply:
northhinksey-pc.gov.uk/
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LOCAL PLANNING APPLICATIONS
P21/V1352/LDP
82 Westminster Way. Loft
conversion plus single storey, flat
roofed, rear extension.
7 May
TDD: 2 July
P21/V1179/FUL
on planning app
P17/V0205/FUL
Land adjoining 16 Yarnells Rd.
Removal of condition 5 (Tree
Protection). Erection of a 3
bedroom bungalow and drive.
10 May
Target
Decision Date:
5 July
P21/V1436/HH
West Cottage Harcourt Hill. Rear
extensions to form wing.
17 May
TDD: 12 July
P21/V1343/FUL
176 Westminster Way. Change of
use to large 8-bed HMO with single-
storey rear extension.
20 May
TDD: 15 July
P21/V1466/HH
Willows 5 Harcourt Hill.Single
storey side/rear extension.
21 May
TDD: 16 July
P21/V1538/HH
3 Crabtree Rd. Construct single
storey rear extension & replace
garage to side of house.
24 May
TDD: 19 July
P21/V1386/FUL
Oxford Rugby Football Club North
Hinksey. Lighting for another pitch.
28 May
TDD: 23 July
P21/V1594/HH
52 Hurst Rise Rd. Replace garage
with home office over.
28 May
TDD: 23 July
P21/V1607/HH
40 Hutchcomb Rd. Loft conversion.
1 June
TDD: 27 July
Thank you, Parish Council for the new picnic tables by the pavilion.
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Save the Brownies!
It is with some alarm that we have to share with you the serious
prospect that, after almost 50 years, 2nd Botley
Brownies may be forced to close due to a short-
age of girls. Since COVID-19 the number of girls
on our books has dropped significantly.
Girlguiding will not allow us to continue in the long
term if we cannot boost the number of girls at-
tending each week. Therefore, we need your
help if we are to survive. Thankfully we at 2nd
Botley have enough qualified leaders, and they
have permits to do all sorts of exciting activities, but we cannot continue
without sufficient girls aged 7 to 10 years.
As regular readers of this publication, you have shared our activities
and adventures over the years. You have come on our train trips to
London for the Trooping of the Colour (and enjoyed seeing Buckingham
Palace complete with Her Majesty the Queen and Prince Philip). On
another occasion we visited Weston-Super-Mare to spend a traditional
day at the seaside, where we organized a sandcastle building competi-
tion, and had donkey rides and ice creams. You also came with us on
our visit to the Bath Postal Museum where we completed our Collectors
badge, dressed up in Victorian outfits and
learned all about the Postal Service
through the years. Later that afternoon
Brownies and Leaders alike let off steam
at the largest adventure playground we'd
ever seen.
You read all about our trips to the Oxford
Playhouse to see the annual Christmas
pantomime, the New Theatre Oxford for
the Gang Show (now held at Radley Col-
lege), and to the Vue cinema to see “Mary
Poppins Returns”. You learned about our
many interest badges including the Disa-
bility Awareness badge which introduced
a lady from Guide Dogs for the Blind who
brought her guide dog along to an inter-
esting talk; we had a visit from Dementia
Friends who explained the breakdown of
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the memory process. For our UK
Parliament badge we transformed our
meeting room into the Chamber of the
House of Commons, which included
Her Majesty’s Government and Op-
position. A Brownie was the Speaker
of the House of Commons who soon
got into the swing of shouting, “Or-
der! Order!” after a little encourage-
ment. Naturally, we also celebrated
the centenary of women obtaining the
vote. The photo shows work on the
badge ‘Free Being Me’.
As you know we have also spent countless days up at Beanwood
having campfires, cooking and summores, pitching tents, playing water
games and earning many and varied badges: Science Investigator, for
example, where lab coats and protective specs were provided for the
experiments. You packed your meta-
phorical holdalls and came with us on
our full board residential Brownie Holi-
days to Buckinghamshire, Berkshire,
Gloucestershire and Wiltshire – each
one with its own theme. Here are just
a few of them: Winnie the Pooh, The
Wind in the Willows, Little Miss and Mr
Men, The World of Beatrix Potter, Pe-
ter Pan, Robin Hood, The Flower Fair-
ies, Paddington Bear, Cluedo (neigh-
bouring “Chequers” the country house
of the Prime Minister), Old Bear &
Friends, in 2014 it was Brownie Cen-
tenary Year, then there was Alice in
Wonderland, and Christmas (celebrat-
ed in June!).
We are a local Brownie Unit, making
wonderful memories for generations of
Botley girls. If you know a girl who would like to have fun, make new
friends and learn new things then she should definitely join 2nd Botley
Brownies! Email us at 2ndbotleybrownies@outlook.com
Brown Owl, Tawny Owl, Snowy Owl and Little Owl
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West Way Community Concern Update
Conclusion of the appeal against planning refusal: In
December last year, the Vale of White Horse District
Council refused planning permission for the proposed
increase in size of the remaining block to be built on the
West Way site (planning application P20/V0921/FUL). The
developer (Botley Development Company) appealed against
this refusal. The Inspector has now granted planning
permission, overturning the District Council decision.
The developer now has permission to increase the size of this
residential block, from eight to nine storeys and to include 150 flats plus
retail units at ground level. Thirty of these flats are to be ‘car-free’, in the
sense that residents in these flats will not be allowed a permit to park on
the West Way site. It’s a disappointing outcome, but we are still grateful
to the planning committee for their support for the views of local people.
Details of the Inspector’s decision: The three reasons for refusal
were: height of building, potential highway safety problems arising from
a shortfall of car parking, and lack of affordable housing. The inspector
considered these after a site visit on 6th
April, and concluded that:
• The height would lead to an adverse impact, but this would be
limited by the context and views.
• He acknowledged concerns about problems arising from commuter
parking, but considered that this situation could be managed.
• Whilst the affordable housing payment would not meet the target in
the local planning policy, some provision would be made, which
would be a notable benefit.
• The additional housing would bring substantial economic benefits.
• Although it conflicted with Local Plan Policy in terms of the building
height, taking into consideration the Development Plan as a whole
and the National Planning Policy Framework, he considered the
merits of the development outweighed the conflict with the policy.
The Inspector also concluded that Vale of White Horse District Council
had not acted unreasonably in refusing the application, based on the
criteria in the Development Plan policies. As such the applicant had not
been put to wasted time and expense in pursuing the appeal and an
award of costs is therefore not justified. More information on
westwayconcern.wordpress.com
Mary Gill
32
33
Sunny Days
ffennell festival 101 (so named because the centenary celebration had
to be postponed from last year) took place on 12th June, a wonderful
sunny day. There was plenty of local support, including local MP Layla
Moran, Cllr Liz Leffman and the Lord Mayor of Oxford, Cllr Mark Lygo.
Hill End is a priceless resource, bequeathed by Colonel ffennell as a
place where children can experience nature at close quarters, and learn
to love the natural world. We are lucky to have it so near – and it will be
even better when they finally make the B4044 bike path, so that you can
get there easily by bike.
Families had a great time, despite the
social distancing measures. There was so
much to do: wildlife walks, inspecting the
WWI practice trenches, pond dipping,
willow weaving, listening to local groups
playing music in the marquee, visiting the
succulent barbecue or simply sitting in the shade under a tree, viewing
the scene and eating your picnic.
As I sauntered around taking in the sights, I bumped into a friend and
asked her what her children had made of it all. ‘My boys,’ she said, ‘did
the nature trail, the dormitories, the willow weaving and the Owls and
they LOVED IT! It was a beautiful, friendly, relaxed and well organised
day with the family. We were so impressed we have enrolled the boys in
a survival camp at Hill End during the Summer.’
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35
More summer sun up at the Louie Memorial Fields the following day,
when the first Pop-up café had a Spanish theme. This entirely voluntary
effort, initiated by Orit Sarfatti and enthusiastically supported by a
network of public spirited Botleyites, gives neighbours a place to meet
and chat on sunny summer Sunday afternoons while their children play
in the playing fields and everyone eats home made cake over a cuppa.
Only this time it was gazpacho, or so I’m told. Here are a couple of
pictures to remind us all of a happy time: AgM
36
15th Oxford Scouts Summer Update
New members: We’re so pleased to be able to welcome many new
faces to the troop this year, and seeing the first of the new Cubs move
up into Scouts from the original intake when we restarted the pack 18
months ago, after a couple of years’ hiatus. At the start of the Summer
term we invested seven new Cubs and fo u r new Scouts. This means
they have taken the Cub or Scout promise with their leader, got their
very first badges and our purple neckerchief (that you may have spotted
young people wearing on the estate on a Friday evening). Even better
news is we have spaces in both Cubs and Scouts for new members.
Contact details can be found at the bottom of the article.
Euro 2020: By the time you read this Euro 2020 will be in full swing,
and hopefully football is close to coming home. Before the tournament
started we ran an evening based on the fixtures, giving each Cub and
Scout countries to ‘predict’ who will be victorious in the final. After some
hard-fought rock/paper/scissors that saw one pair get sev en draws in a
row, mental stamina was tested with Connect 4 and 3D Connect 4, to
whittle the teams down further. Some early favourite s were eliminated
and Scotland beat England! On to throwing darts at a board of balloons,
37
each one containing a number of goals scored for the team. An eye-
catching result had Ukraine beating Austria 7–5, but this was not
enough for them, as the less fancied North Macedonia and Slovakia
had to be decided on penalties for the Cubs and Turkey came out
victorious for the Scouts. You heard it here first.
Troop history: The 15th Oxford Scout Group was founded and
registered with the local Oxford City Scout Association in 1915. They
met in the Baptist Church school-room in New Inn Hall Street. There
have since been nine Scout Leaders, a Cub pack was registered in April
1920 and a move to Elm s Parade. We are now helping a former Scout
with their Archaeology and History degree dissertation about Army and
POW camps at Youlbury Scout Camp during WW2. They have already
found a number of items through metal detecting there and we are now
asking anyone local who has memories of Youlbury, the 15th Oxford or
Oxford in the last war to get in touch, and hopefully to help with the
dissertation. So if you have anything to share, please get in touch.
Contact for the troop is XVOxfordScouts@yahoo.co.uk
Tom Fre e man
38
39
Randoms
Botley W.I.
Botley Women’s Institute has relaunched its live programme, after using
Zoom to hold recent meetings. Our Walking, Green-ish Fingers, Read-
ing and Music groups have gradually resumed over recent months, with
our Craft (& Chat & Cuppa) group allowing members to meet again after
so long. July’s meeting will feature a talk about Teddy Bears by Bess
Harris. Two sessions on Tuesday, 6 July, at 14:30 and 19:30, will allow
plenty of space to stay Covid safe. Visitors welcome – call 07598
251161 for more information. Full programme on our Facebook page.
Get rid of all those things you cleared out during lockdown at our Car
Boot Sale on 25 July, from 11–1:30. £10 per car, at our WI Hall on North
Hinksey Lane. Refreshments will be available. Contact 01865
254273 to book your place.
Alison Jenner
Parish Poll Results
Electorate: 4081
Ballots issued: 425
Turnout: 10.4%
Both questions asked whether the lease on the Scout Hut should be re-
newed, although one was more loaded than the other. 317 voted in favour.
108 people voted against. In response, the Parish Council has decided to
hold a surgery where parents can find out what was actually on offer for the
Scouts in the plans for the new pavilion, in the hope that this could be seen
as a viable alternative to the dilapidated scout hut.
Botley Health Routes Walking Group
The parish council’s review of ways of making more of our local green
spaces has been bolstered by a
splendid map made by Nhsforest, to
get us out with the Botley Health
Routes walking group. They meet
every Tuesday at 11am ou tsid e
Botley Library (OX2 9TH) to go on
a free and social distanced walk to
different local green spaces. See
Nhsforest.org/botley-health-routes
and map overleaf.
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41
Organizations: If your organization is not listed here, please send details
to editor@thesprout.org.uk or telephone 724452 for inclusion.
1st Botley Brownies
Girls aged 7–10
Dean Court Community Centre Thur 6–7.30 Jean
Metson, firstbotleybrownies@g m a il.com
2nd Botley Brownies
Girls aged 7–10
Rosary Room, Yarnells Hill. Tues 6:15-7:45 Alison
Griffin 2ndbotleybrownies@outlook.com
4th Oxford Scout Group
Beavers, Cub Scouts, Scouts
mail@thefourth.org.uk Website:
http://www.thefourth.org.uk/
15th Oxford Scout Group
Boys and girls welcome
Fridays, Cubs 6.30-8, Scouts 8-9.30, 1 Church Way, Botley
Amy Cusden (Cubs) 07887 654386, Tom Freeman (Scouts)
07837 623768 xvoxfordscouts@yahoo.co.uk
Baby & Toddler Group
Tues/Thurs 9.15–11, SS Peter & Paul Church Hall
Badminton Club
Thurs 7-8pm at Matthew Arnold Sports Hall. Garry
Clark 0777 3559 314 garryclark13@gmail.com
BikeSafe. B4044 community
path campaign
Wants to connect Botley to Eynsham. Meets every 6-8
weeks. Contact via website B4044path.org
Books on Wheels R.V.S.
Free Library Service for housebound Ox. 248142
Botley Boys & Girls F.C.
Football teams from ages 8-16
Jason Barley Ox. 242926 jbarley1@sky.com or Brendan
Byrne 792531 brendan.byrne999@gmail.com
Botley Community Larder
Thursdays, 3.30 to 5.30 at St P&P Church Hall, See
Facebook or email botleylarder@gmail.com
Botley Health Walks
Wednesday 9.30am. Contact Briony on Ox 246497
Botley Library
01865 248142. Open till 7 on Friday and 1pm on Sat,
otherwise 9.30 to 5.30 (closed Wednesdays).
Botley Seniors Lunch Club
Alternate Thursdays. Seacourt Hall. Jackie Warner
Ox721386
Botley Singers
Thur 7.30, St Andrew’s Church, Dean Court. Angela
Astley-Penny Ox.242189 angastpen@aol.com
Cumnor Choral Society
Rehearsals Friday 7.45 to 9.45 pm John May 07795 054142
or www.cumnorchoralsociety.wordpress.com
Cumnor Chess Club
Thurs 7–9pm Cumnor Old School. Steven Bennett
862788 www.cumnorchessclub.co.uk
Cumnor & District
Historical Society
Last Monday of the month 7.30-9.00 Cumnor Old
School. 01865 724808
Cumnor Gardening Club
http://cumnorgardens.org.uk/ or phone 01865
721026
Harmony InSpires, Ladies'
Acappella Singing Group
Wed 7.30 at Appleton Village Hall. C. Casson 01235
831352 or harmonyinspires@hotmail.co.uk
Hill End Volun t eer Team
Contact: David Millin on david.millin@hill-end.org,
call 863510 or visit www.hillend-oec.co.uk
Lawn Tennis Club, N Hinksey
Family club Email: Tennis@OxfordSportsLTC.org
Morris Dancing – Cry Havoc
Barbara Brett 249599 or bag@ cryhavoc.org.uk
42
North Hinksey Preschool
and Childcare clubs
Mon–Fri 7.45am–6.00 pm. Tel 794287 or email
nhps.manager1@gmail.com
N Hinksey Art Group
Weds 10– 12.00 W.I. Hall Christina 07931 707997
N Hinksey Bellringers
Contact: Ray Rook 01865 241451
N Hinksey Conservation
Volunte e rs
Meets at weekends Contact Voirrey Carr
07798743121 voirreyc@aol.com
N Hinksey, Friends of
Annual Cricket Match/ Walk. Douglas Bond 791213.
N Hinksey Parish Council
Sharon Henley, clerk@northhinksey-pc.gov.uk
N Hinksey Youth Club
Weds at LM pavilion, Daz: 07791 212866 or F’book
Oxford Flood Alliance
R Thurston 01865 723663 or 07973 292035
Oxford Flower Arranging Club
4th Thursday Cumnor. Dympna Walker: Ox 865259
Oxford Harmony Men's
Acappella singing group
Meets Wednesdays 7.45 pm at Seacourt Hall, Con-
tact pro@oxfordharmony.co.uk
Oxford Otters
Swimming for people with disabilities. Sundays,
twice monthly. Contact: Alan Cusden 723420
Oxford Rugby Club
Boys and girls from 5, kevin.honner@ntlworld.com
Seniors, training etc jbrodley@chandlings.org.uk.
Raleigh Park, Friends of
raleighpark@raleighp ark.o rg.uk
Saturdads at
Botley Bridges
Fun activities and trips for Dads and under 5’s
10 am–noon 1st Sat of month. Tel: 243955
Seacourt Hall Management
Committee
Michael Cockman 07766 317691
michael.cockman@gmail.com.
Shotokan Karate Club
6+ WOCC twice weekly Martyn King 07836 646450
Walking for Health
2nd & 4th Saturdays 9.50 Louie Memorial Field car
park, Arnolds Way. Alan 07941 610913
West Oxford Bowls Club
Contact details on
www.westoxfordbowlsclub.co.uk
West Oxford Taekwon Do
Club
Mon, Thurs 6.30-8pm, MA gym, contact Chris Hall
01865 570291 www.wotkd.co.uk
West Oxford U3A
(Uni of the 3rd Age) http://westoxfordu3a.org.uk/
West Way Day Centre
Mon & Fri 10–3pm, Field House, 07740 611971.
oxfordshirehub@royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk
Women’s Institute (Botley)
Alison Jenner 07598 251161
alisonjenner@yahoo.com
Weight Watchers
Thursdays 6pm at SS Peter & Paul Church Hall
Banso tel: 07779 253899 bansob@aol.com
43
Baptist Hall
West Way Place
Contact: Rev Kalyan Das
Te l . 0 7 8 4 1 8 6 7 9 6 7
The Rosary Room
Yarnells Hill, Elms Rise
Contact Maria Brown,
Te l : 0 1 8 6 5 2 4 7 9 8 6 .
SS Peter & Paul Church
Hall, West Way, Botley
Contact: 01865 242057 or
osneybenefice@outlook.com.
Women's Institute Hall,
North Hinksey Lane
Contact: Val Warner
Te l . 0 1 8 6 5 2 4 5 2 7 3
Seacourt Hall, West
Way Place, Botley
Contact: Lottie White on 07452 960100,
or email admin@seacourthall.org.uk
Pavilion, Arnold’s Way,
Elms Rise, Botley
Contact: Darren Blase 241254
louiememorialpav ilio n @gmail.c o m
Oxford Rugby Club,
North Hinksey Village
Contact:. Mary Bagnall
mary.bagnall1@btinternet.com.
North Hinksey & Botley Churches
Times of Services (once resumed) and Contacts
St. Lawrence, Church of England, North Hinksey Lane
1st, 2nd, 4th Sunday, Sung Eucharist 11.30 a . m .
3 rd Sunday, Matins 11.30 a m
St. Peter and St. Paul, Church of England, West Way
2nd Saturday each Month, 4–6pm Messy Church for children and their carers
1st Sunday of the Month, 9.30am All Age service of Holy Communion
All other Sundays, 9.30am Holy Communion with activities for children
Every Wednesday, 10.30am Holy Communion at Field House
Rev Clare Sykes, Tel. 01865 242345 or revclare@btinternet.com
Our Lady of the Rosary Church, Roman Catholic, Ya r nel l s Hill
Saturday 6.30 pm. Mass
Sunday 9.15 am Mass
Fr Daniel Lloyd. 07584 323915 dlloyd@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk.
Botley Baptist Church, West Way Place
Sunday Service 10.30 am.
Mid Week House Group 8.00 p.m.
Family Worship Service 5 - 6pm on Saturday
Rev Kalyan Das 07841 867967 www.botleybaptistchurch.org
Calvary Chapel
Sunday services held at Botley School 10.30– 12 noon
Pastor Philip Vickery 01865 864498
calvarychapeloxford@yahoo.co.uk;
www.calvarychapeloxford.org.uk
44
Sprout
Summer 2021
Still not enough scheduled events for a summer diary,
but things are opening up slowly. Here are some of them.
Kennington Memory Club (for people suffering with
dementia and their carers) is now open on Mondays and
Thursdays (Google, or phone 07852 883496)
Botley W.I. is back in business, full programme on their
Facebook page. There’s a car-boot sale at their HQ in
North Hnksey Lane on 25th July.
The Pop-up Café has resumed on sunny Sunday
afternoons up the top by the Louie Memorial Pavilion.
Home-made cake and a chance to fraternize with
neighbours.
Junior Park Run, for kids under 11, now taking place on
Sunday mornings at 9 o’clock, up at the Brookes Harcourt
playing fields. Adult sessions will resume on 24th July.
Botley Health Routes Walking Group meets on Tuesdays
at 11am outside Botley Library for a 45min walk, all
welcome.
Hill End is running summer activities, but you will need to
book. See https://hill-end.org.
Age UK is running free guided walks for people over 50
around our beautiful city, throughout July and August.
Phone Petra on 01235 849434 to book a place.
And the Library is running its Summer Reading Scheme
“Wild World Heroes”, details from them.
There will be more – go to Botley Notice Board (Oxon)
Facebook page for the latest information.